Question

You are on-scene with a 12-year-old trauma patient who has a large laceration on the inner aspect of his upper right arm with an estimated blood loss of around 15%. The bleeding has now decreased while the patient remains conscious, alert, and anxious. His skin is warm; his heart rate is 96 bpm, and his blood pressure is 108/50. After assessing the child, you believe the patient may be in hypovolemic shock. If so, which stage of shock is the patient most likely experiencing?

A) Stage 1

B) Stage 2

C) Stage 3

D) Stage 4

Answer 1

The 12-year-old patient with a laceration and estimated 15% blood loss, exhibiting a heart rate of 96 bpm and blood pressure of 108/50, is likely in Stage 1 hypovolemic shock, where the body compensates for the lost blood volume.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient in the scenario described is most likely experiencing Stage 1 hypovolemic shock. In this stage, the body is able to compensate for lost blood volume. Signs and symptoms exhibit a normal blood pressure, a slightly increased heart rate, and the patient remains conscious. Given the details such as a heart rate of 96 bpm, warm skin, and a blood pressure of 108/50, it suggests that the body is compensating, and the patient has not progressed to a more severe stage of shock, where you would see a significant drop in blood pressure and a more pronounced increase in heart rate.